⚠️ DEAL EXPIRED: This elevated bonus ended March 18, 2026. The IHG Premier is still available but at standard bonus levels (typically 140,000 points). See our IHG credit cards comparison for current offers.
If you’ve been on the fence about the IHG credit cards, this particular window has closed.
Both elevated IHG bonuses end March 18, 2026 at 9am ET — and we likely won’t see offers this good again for a while.
The Offers Expiring
| Card | Bonus | Spend Requirement | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHG Premier | 175,000 points | $5,000 in 3 months | $99 |
| IHG Traveler | Up to 120,000 points | $2,000 + accelerator | $0 |
At our IHG points valuation of 0.5-0.6 cents, that 175K Premier bonus is worth $875-1,050 in free hotel nights.
Why These Bonuses Are Exceptional
The IHG Premier’s standard bonus is typically 140,000 points. The current 175K offer represents a 25% increase — and the Traveler’s 120K bonus on a no-annual-fee card is genuinely rare.
For context: 175,000 IHG points can get you:
- 4-5 nights at most Holiday Inn Express or Staybridge Suites
- 3-4 nights at Crowne Plazas or Hotel Indigos
- 2-3 nights at InterContinental or Kimpton properties
And both cards include the fourth-night-free benefit, stretching your points even further.
Which Card Should You Get?
Grab the Premier ($99/year) if:
- You stay at IHG properties 2+ times per year
- You value the 40,000-point annual free night certificate
- You want Platinum Elite status for late checkout and bonus points
The Traveler ($0/year) makes sense if:
- You want hotel points without an annual fee
- You’re not sure how often you’ll stay at IHG hotels
- You’re new to hotel credit cards
For a detailed breakdown, see our IHG Traveler vs Premier comparison.
How to Decide Quickly
Here’s the 30-second version:
- Check your 5/24 status — Both cards are issued by Chase and count toward 5/24
- Consider your upcoming travel — Any IHG stays planned this year?
- Do the math on the free night — The Premier’s 40K certificate usually covers $150-200 in value annually
If you’re under 5/24 and have any IHG stays in your future, the Premier at 175K is hard to pass up. The bonus alone covers nearly two years of annual fees in value.
The Bottom Line
These bonuses disappear March 18 at 9am ET. After that, we’re likely looking at 140K or lower on the Premier.
If you’ve been researching IHG cards, this is your sign to stop researching and start applying.
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